Nineteen escape from custody

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
NINETEEN people detained at the Jomba police holding cells in Madang broke out early on Monday, sparking a massive manhunt, say police.
It was the same day Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his government entourage left Madang after he had officiated at the Divine Word University graduation and opened the Jais Aben conference centre.
Coincidentally, O’Neill was commenting on the escalating law and order problems in Madang during the centre opening.
He said the police force needed to be strengthened, with the government planning to see 1,000 police recruits graduate annually.
Acting provincial police commander Jacob Bando, who is handing over the position to incoming commander Sylvester Kalaut, said the break out was due to the reduction in manpower at the station.
Bando said some officers were engaged to escort O’Neill’s party while others were stationed at the site of the damaged bridge near Ramu.
“There was only one man working on that shift that night.
“Prisoners took advantage of the situation to escape.
“They used a small hacksaw to cut the bars to free themselves,” Bando said.
He said four police vehicles were undergoing repairs.
This is the second time in less than a month that prisoners awaiting court appearances have escaped.
Just two weeks ago, 35 prisoners escaped from the same cells after cutting bar grills at the window.